In the lounge, however, he found the location of his Pet rather quickly. Ken was huddling in a corner being kicked viciously by Michael and Osamu. Wallace and Jyou knelt behind their Masters, faces blank.
"What do you think you're doing!?" Daisuke bellowed, tackling Osamu's wiry body to the ground. "Get your hands off him!"
Osamu looked shocked, rolling away from his assailant. "Motomiya!"
"So you remember my name, but you don't remember who Ken's Owner is?" Daisuke said coldly. "If you so much as touch him, I'll take you apart."
"I have allies," Osamu seethed, his voice laced with steel. "And Ken belongs to no one. It's decided."
"I don't see how you could treat your own brother that way, you incestuous little creep!" Daisuke yelled, gathering a shaking Ken into his arms.
"Brother?" Michael looked at Osamu in shock, and even Jyou and Wallace's faces displayed surprise. "But Osamu, you've had Ken more often than any of us."
"Freak," Daisuke spat, holding Ken close.
"You'll pay for that, Motomiya," Osamu said quietly, his eyes icy.
Daisuke stalked off. "I'll be waiting, Ichijouji."
He hurried back to his room, cradling the younger Ichijouji in his arms. "Ken, are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Ken shivered. "You...didn't have to do that for me, Daisuke."
"Nonesense. You're mine now, I have to look out for you." Daisuke smiled kindly.
"Osamu's...dangerous. Be careful with him."
"I will, Ken. I will."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The feeling of uneasiness plagued Daisuke for the rest of the night as Ken slept peacefully. The Pet was looking better already--Daisuke had lovingly given him a bath and dried his hair using Shinichi--no, Miyako--'s hair dryer. Ken was pleased, and the good night's sleep and three meals a day he had had since coming to Daisuke was beginning to show. His complexion was slightly healthier and his skin less translucent, and though he hadn't begun to physically fill out from the years of starvation Daisuke knew the effects would be showing soon. Ken had also become more affectionate towards his master and friend, letting Daisuke hold him in his arms as they slept. Once again Dai wondered just what his feelings were toward the other boy. Ken most definitely attracted him--but did the other feel the same? It was unfair of Daisuke to assume that he did, since as his Pet Ken was expected to respond to sexual stimulus from his master. Any results of moves Daisuke made on the bluenette could be feigned, and Daisuke didn't want that.
But with time--Daisuke dared to hope that once taken away from Sekitomachi, Ken would return to normal, and perhaps would geniunely return Daisuke's feelings. He could hope, at least. With any luck they wouldn't be in that school much longer. Daisuke resolved to tell Ken to bring any belongings he might need to run away up from Ken's room on the second floor of the dorm. It looked as though Ken would be staying with him from now on anyway.
Dai glanced at the clock, noting that within a few minutes the alarm would sound to awaken himself and his new roommate. He snuggled closer to Ken, letting his fingers brush the skin of Ken's flat stomach, under the flannel of his pajama top. Ken made a small sound of contentment.
The cinnamon-eyed boy would have liked to cuddle with Ken a little longer, but a quiet knock sounded at his door. "Who is it?"
"Taichi." The reply was muffled.
Daisuke reluctantly pulled away from Ken and padded over to the door to admit the brunette and his blonde Master. "Hey Taichi, Yamato-sempai. What brings you here so early?"
"A warning," Yamato replied solemnly. "Some of the other kids were in the common room last night talking about you two. They're angry that you're keeping Ken for yourself."
"And apparantly you socked Osamu last night." Taichi looked more elated than disapproving.
Yama frowned. "He's getting people together, and I don't know what they've got planned. We thought we should warn you in case they try something."
Ken had begun to stir, and Daisuke looked at him with concern. "I don't what kind of shape Ken's in for travelling. But if they're any way out of this school, I'll be gone before Osamu sees my dust. Fucking bastard."
"We heard that he's Ken's brother. It's all over school," Taichi proclaimed. "I never realized he could be so heartless."
"I agree. I can't believe he never said anything--we used to be friends. Well...Daisuke, what will you do?"
"Simple." Dai shrugged. "I run."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Daisuke and Ken spent their spare time in the morning packing up anything they might need to escape quickly. "Daisuke-sama...I don't know if I really like this idea..."
Daisuke rolled his eyes. "Don't call me that. Listen, you've gotten it beaten into your head that you're going to be a slave here, and I won't stand for that. Once we're away from here, Osamu can't touch you."
"Yes...but..." Ken still looked hesitant. "I'll still follow your orders, Master."
Daisuke let the title slip for once. "It's the only way."
Ken nodded reluctantly and deposited Daisuke's bookbag on the bed.
The two boys proceeded to their classes as though eveything was normal, even though Daisuke had the distinct feeling that he was constantly being watched. His suspicions were confirmed in English class when Miyako slipped him a note.
Dai -- What's up? Everyone keeps whispering and looking at you. Did something happen?
His reply was curt. Osamu is out for my hide. Ken and I are taking off tonight.
Where will you go?
Back to Odaiba. My sister will let us stay with her.
A few minutes passed before Miyako finally replied. I'll help if I can. Just promise me, don't go anywhere alone! I don't like the looks they're giving you.
Thanks.
No problem. If it means one more person gets out of this hole unscathed, I'll do whatever I can.
---------------------------
Next chapter: How much longer can Miyako keep Daisuke out of danger? When Takeru is attacked instead, Iori, Yamato and Taichi throw in their reserves. But what can eight kids do against a school full of bullies? Jyou rebels against Osamu, Aki kidnaps Koushirou, and Ken and Daisuke plan their escape--next time on Tomodachi!
Shi-chan Story Plug:
Sunday.
http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=674644